Karangan Drug Rehabilitation Centre to Resume Operations with Upgraded Facilities
Background
The Karangan Drug Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) in Kulim, which has been closed since December 1, 2022, is set to resume operations following its upgrades, according to the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
New Facilities and Initiatives
In a statement, AADK announced that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail officiated the handover and launch of a new school block and the upgrade of PUSPEN Karangan today. The centre now boasts top-tier facilities to implement the Client Education Access Programme (PAPK) for clients under the age of 18 that AADK introduced in 2015.
The objective of implementing PAPK is to provide clients with the opportunity to resume their education and schooling at AADK facilities while receiving treatment and rehabilitation, supported by academic guidance through an in-situ approach. AADK also noted that the initiative aims to enhance and celebrate the diversity of expertise through a smart collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MOE) and AADK while introducing an integrity school system at AADK, leveraging the expertise of teachers and MOE.
Client Education Access Programme (PAPK)
The PAPK programme has been successful in preparing clients for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. In 2015, 15 clients successfully registered and sat for the SPM, and statistics show a steady increase in the number of candidates each year: 28 candidates in 2016, 34 candidates (2017), 38 candidates (2018), 40 candidates (2019), 34 candidates (2020), and 25 candidates (2021).
With the new facilities, AADK will place all clients currently enrolled in the PAPK across Peninsular Malaysia, and the facility can accommodate up to 100 clients at one time. Currently, 25 clients are enrolled in the programme. The achievements of these clients in the SPM examination have allowed many of them to pursue higher education.
Basic Literacy and Numeracy Education
The PAPK programme has also expanded beyond just preparing for the SPM examination to include basic literacy and numeracy (3M) education – reading, writing, and arithmetic – given that some young clients face issues with educational neglect. The clients involved in the SPM programme are fully supported by volunteer instructors, comprising polytechnic lecturers and secondary school teachers from nearby schools.
Conclusion
The upgraded facilities and initiatives at the Karangan Drug Rehabilitation Centre will provide a comprehensive and supportive environment for clients to receive treatment and rehabilitation while pursuing their education. The centre’s commitment to providing access to education and addressing educational neglect is commendable and will have a positive impact on the lives of the clients.
FAQs
Q: What is the Client Education Access Programme (PAPK)?
A: PAPK is a programme introduced by AADK in 2015 to provide clients under the age of 18 with the opportunity to resume their education and schooling at AADK facilities while receiving treatment and rehabilitation.
Q: What are the objectives of PAPK?
A: The objectives of PAPK are to provide clients with the opportunity to resume their education and schooling, receive treatment and rehabilitation, and provide academic guidance through an in-situ approach.
Q: How many clients are currently enrolled in the PAPK programme?
A: Currently, 25 clients are enrolled in the PAPK programme.
Q: What is the capacity of the Karangan Drug Rehabilitation Centre?
A: The facility can accommodate up to 100 clients at one time.